Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
an old wives' tale
idiom
/ən oʊld waɪvz teɪl/
Definition
A traditional belief or superstition that is commonly held but has no scientific basis.
Examples
- My grandmother used to say that drinking warm milk helps you sleep better; it might just be an old wives’ tale.
- He believes in the old wives’ tale that you should avoid going out with wet hair in winter.
Meaning
An old wives’ tale refers to a popular but unverified belief or story, often relating to health, medicine, or supernatural events, passed down through generations, typically among women.
Synonyms
- superstition
- folklore
- myth
- legend
